Leanna Lehman
On November 20, Daniel Munoz (71) was arrested and taken into custody on charges of Open Murder. According to information released by the Reno Police Department, their office initiated a joint investigation with the Churchill County Sheriff's Office regarding the disappearance of a 40-year-old woman with ties to Fallon.
Missing since November 8, Reno PD officials stated that suspicious circumstances surrounded the woman's disappearance. Detectives soon identified Daniel Munoz (71) as a primary suspect. Upon a thorough investigation and search of Munuz's residence in the 6100 block of Pleasant Oak Trail in Reno and the 1400 block of Del Rio Drive in Fallon, investigators discovered a body buried in the backyard at the Fallon residence. Subsequently, Munoz was arrested in Churchill County with bail set at $1 million.
Detectives believe the incident to be isolated, with no public threat anticipated. Upon proper notification to the next of kin, the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office will release information on the decedent's identification.
A bail hearing was initially scheduled for 1 p.m. in Churchill County New River Township Justice Court before Judge Ben Trotter on Friday, November 22. Shortly before convening, the court received information that the case was being transferred to Washoe County, where the investigation began.
Churchill County Sheriff Richard Hickox confirmed that Munoz was transported to Washoe County late that day.
Reno Justice Court Clerk's Office stated on Friday that Munoz would likely be arraigned over the weekend.
A Criminal Complaint has been filed with the Reno Justice Court alleging Munoz did commit Open Murder. In Nevada, Open Murder indictments include Murder in the First Degree, punishable by 20 years to life in prison – or even the death penalty; Murder in the Second Degree, punishable by 10 years to life; and Voluntary and Involuntary Manslaughter, which involve lesser sentences. Open Murder is the only criminal charge in Nevada where judges do not have to consider bail.
Churchill County property tax reports reflect that Daniel Munoz is listed as a Del Rio Drive residence property owner. The Nevada Secretary of State records show Daniel Munoz as a managing member of Diversified Builders, further denoting a Fallon Del Rio Drive address.
On Tuesday November 26, Churchill County Sheriff Richard Hickox confirmed that Munoz's four young children are safe. "They were with a family member last I knew," stated Hickox, "DCFS was notified so they will be working to insure the safety and proper placement of the kids."
The charges against Munoz are alleged. All defendants are guaranteed the constitutional right of a presumption of innocence.
The Fallon Post will release more information as the story develops.
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